Studying in the USA is a dream for many — but tuition fees can be a real challenge.
The good news?
Thousands of fully funded scholarships are available for talented international students each year.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 scholarships for international students in the USA (2025) — their eligibility, coverage, and application links.
2. Why Scholarships Matter
According to EducationUSA 2025, the average cost of studying in the US is $35,000–$55,000 per year.
Scholarships help reduce or completely remove these costs, covering:
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Tuition & fees
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Accommodation
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Health insurance
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Monthly stipend
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Travel costs
3. Top 10 Scholarships in the USA for International Students (2025)
| Rank | Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded | Varies by country |
| 2 | Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Professional Training | Fully Funded | Oct 2025 |
| 3 | Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Master’s & PhD | Fully Funded | Oct 9, 2025 |
| 4 | AAUW International Fellowship (for Women) | Master’s & Doctoral | Up to $50,000 | Nov 2025 |
| 5 | Yale University Scholarships USA | Undergraduate & Graduate | Up to $70,000/year | Dec 2025 |
| 6 | Harvard University Scholarships | All levels | Full/Partial | Rolling |
| 7 | University of Oregon ICSP Scholarship | Undergraduate | Partial + Work Study | Feb 2025 |
| 8 | Illinois Wesleyan International Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Up to $30,000/year | March 2025 |
| 9 | Clark Global Scholarship Program | Undergraduate | $15,000–$25,000/year | Feb 2025 |
| 10 | Rotary Peace Fellowship | Master’s | Fully Funded | May 2025 |
4. Scholarship Details
🏆 1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The most prestigious US government scholarship.
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Covers: Tuition, living expenses, travel, books, and health insurance.
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Available for 160+ countries.
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Apply via: fulbrightprogram.org
🌍 2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
A professional development program for mid-career professionals.
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Duration: 10 months
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Fields: Public policy, education, health, law, etc.
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Apply via: humphreyfellowship.org
🎓 3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
One of the most competitive programs.
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Covers: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel grant.
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Open to all nationalities and academic fields.
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Apply via: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
👩🎓 4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
Supports women pursuing graduate studies in the US.
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Up to $50,000 in funding.
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Open to all fields of study.
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Apply via: aauw.org
🏫 5. Yale University Scholarships
One of the most generous need-based financial aid programs.
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Provides up to $70,000/year.
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Open to undergraduates and graduates.
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Apply via: admissions.yale.edu
📘 6. Harvard University Scholarships
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Offers both merit-based and need-based aid.
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Includes tuition, accommodation, and grants.
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Apply via: scholarships.harvard.edu
🎯 7. University of Oregon ICSP
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Provides partial scholarships combined with community service.
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Great for socially active students.
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Apply via: uoregon.edu
💡 8. Illinois Wesleyan International Scholarship
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For high-achieving undergraduate students.
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Renewable each year for up to four years.
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Apply via: iwu.edu
🌎 9. Clark Global Scholarship
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Awarded to international students with leadership potential.
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Value: $15,000–$25,000 annually.
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Apply via: clarku.edu
🕊️ 10. Rotary Peace Fellowship
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Fully funds Master’s degree in Peace & Conflict Resolution.
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Covers tuition, housing, travel, and internship expenses.
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Apply via: rotary.org
5. Tips for Scholarship Success
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Start early — deadlines are often 8–12 months in advance.
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Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) highlighting goals and achievements.
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Get academic recommendation letters from professors.
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Maintain a good GPA (3.5 or above).
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Proofread your application — small errors matter!
6. Final Thoughts
Getting a US scholarship in 2025 isn’t impossible — it’s about preparation and persistence.
Thousands of students from around the world get funded every year.
Focus on your goals, apply early, and your dream of studying in the USA can become a reality — without financial burden.